The Lock-Keeper Blog

On our Scottish cruises, the exceptionally stocked open bar plays host to several choices of single malt whiskies, scotch and bourbon. But what is the difference between them? And dare...

Our Tour Guides have compiled some of their most frequently asked questions on French cheeses to help you understand the importance of one of France’s greatest exports…

Measuring more than 230km from north to south, the Burgundy wine region is as varied as it is beautiful, and our luxury hotel barges cruise through some of its most...

Italy produces approximately 600 different types of cheeses, and some of their most famous cheeses date back centuries, or even millennia years in the case of Pecorino Romano

Guide to Italian wines including wine regions, categories, classifications, how to read the label and more!

Italy’s longest river, the River Po flows through many important cities through its 562km course, including Turin, Piacenza, Cremona and Ferrara.

The Venetian Lagoon is an ambiguous area that is neither land nor sea. Stretching some 34 miles in length and 7 miles wide, it takes a crescent shape along...

The Venetian Lagoon is an ambiguous area that is neither land nor sea. Stretching some 34 miles in length and 7 miles wide, it takes a crescent shape along...

Reims is famed for its cathedral, champagne, and stunning architecture – here’s the lowdown of what to see and do so you don’t miss out.

Know the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale cocktail? Let us tickle your tastebuds with everything you need to know about the making of the elegant Kir Royale...

From ‘Emily in Paris’ to ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Downton Abbey’, visit your favourite film locations while cruising in luxury on Europe’s canals.

Visited aboard luxury hotel barge, Nymphea, the Château de Villandry really is a blooming marvel with spectacular floral gardens that are sure to impress all year round...

The Scottish beer industry is thriving and with more than 100 breweries operating the variety and quality of Scottish beers and ales on offer is greater than ever

The Abbaye de Moissac, in the foothills of the Quercy vineyards near the River Garonne, feature awe-inspiring architecture that tell stories that date back to the early 1100s. Visit on...

Located fifty kilometres south of Auxerre, Vézelay offers a rich tapestry of culture, tradition and history amidst spectacular surrounds...

The spectacular fortress of Carcassonne is the best-preserved medieval fortress in the world and has served as inspiration to the castles of fairy tales

With so many delicious French desserts to choose from, it’s no wonder that France is home to the best patisseries in the world.

France is the land of delicious foods and excellent wines, so is it any wonder that there’s so many classic French dishes to try? Check out our 10 favourites!

The River Yonne is one of the most important rivers in Burgundy, extending from Auxerre, where it joins the Canal du Nivernais

Sancerre is the most recognizable appellation for French Sauvignon Blanc in the Loire Valley. The region’s rolling limestone hills and semi-continental climate deliver richly textured wines

Armagnac is a brandy that is produced in the Gascony region of Southwest France, but what makes it so special? This article will tell you all you need to know...

The world famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland is renowned for its spring displays of over 7 million colourful tulips and flowering bulbs.

Visit Hampton Court Palace to stroll the spectacular gardens, see fabulous furnishings and experience the ghost of Henry VIII’s wife!

Windsor Castle was founded by William the Conqueror, a French claimant to the English throne, who seized the Crown in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings.

From pizza to pasta, these are the 10 must-try Italian dishes that will make your trip to Italy even more delicious.

Cruise through the charming city of Mantua, Italy and explore its 6 must see sights aboard the La Bella Vita hotel barge.

Whisky is fascinating. There are hundreds of variations, yet very few whiskies taste alike. Find out more in our beginners guide to Whisky

The Ultimate Guide to the Canal du Nivernais - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Relax onboard the luxury Barge, La Belle Epoque, and enjoy a tour of the famous Abbaye de Fontenay

Take the opportunity to sit back on the sundeck of Magna Carta with a sherry in hand, enjoying views of Great Britain's royal palaces and rural landscapes.

This summer, we're celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. Could there possibly be a better way to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 year reign than to visit England and cruise the...

The Ultimate Guide to the Caledonian Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

Sampling cheese can be a delicious experience. Cheese always has a place at the table on European Waterways cruises, but what is the best way to serve it?

Holidays on the Canal du Midi are very popular today, but not many know about the construction of the Canal du Midi. Find out about its rocky history here…

The River Saône flows for 300 miles from the Vosges Mountains to its junction with the River Rhone in Lyons and is navigable for 230 miles

The Étang de Thau, sometimes known as the Bassin de Thau, is the largest of a collection of saltwater lagoons that span along the French coast from the Rhône to...

Rhône Valley Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the most historic wine regions in France

Languedoc Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the largest wine producing regions in the world

Bordeaux Wine Guide: All you need to know about one of the most significant wine regions in France

This guide provides you with a broader insight into this wonderful waterway and the surrounding towns & villages

The Ultimate Guide to the Canal du Midi - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

The Ultimate Guide to the Burgundy Canal - History, interesting facts, maps, nearby towns and villages, places of interest and lots more!

The Canal du Rhône à Sète borders the wilderness area of the Camargue and connects the Étang de Thau in Sète to the Rhône River

On a luxury barge holiday in beautiful Burgundy, you will have the opportunity to taste a range of wonderful cheese. Here is a guide to the best Burgundy cheeses...

Did you know, France has a butter and oil divide? Find out if butter is really better in the cuisine of the South of France...

Discover 120 miles of the Canal de Garonne aboard hotel barge Rosa, with no less than 53 locks to cruise through!

Whilst Bordeaux is famous for its oenological (wine) offering, it's the cuisine of Bordeaux that has recently got visitors flocking! Here's why...

Want to know more about Western Provence wines? Our handy little guide will reveal everything you need to know...

Burgundy is the home of barging, and the canal itself is one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations in France, read on for the story of its unique history...

Planning a cruise along the French waterways? Our guide to useful French waterways terms will help you navigate with ease and confidence...

Do you know how to serve the perfect cheese board? With a myriad of varieties to be enjoyed on board, our experts share their top tips...

From how it was made to how it's enjoyed today - read all about the Burgundy Canal's rich and complicated history

There's more to Burgundy than excellent wines, its cuisine is particularly special too! Read on to find out more...

From taste tests to detailed descriptions - here's everything you need to know about wine tasting

Many have experienced a tour through one of France’s many vineyards but have you ever stopped to read the label on your favourite French wines?

Think you know your French wines? Whilst the varieties are of abundance, the great regions are comparatively few. Learn more in our handy guide...

Did you know, the word "barge" comes from the Latin word "barga" meaning small boat?

A brief guide on the many sights and points of interest along France's famous Canal de Bourgogne- a must visit if you're in the Burgundy region!

Now a wonderful location to enjoy a cruise, for centuries the Canal de Briare was an important transportation channel.

Are you a true turophile (cheese lover)? Our barge cruises in France are the perfect opportunity to get tasting!

What could be more quintessentially French than wine and cheese? Find out more about the pairing on your French barge cruise.

Here we look at Roquefort, a wonderful blue sheep’s milk cheese, produced in southern France. It is served most often on our hotel barges on the Canal du Midi.